Nerja makes a great base for exploring Andalucía, and a few day trips from Nerja are among the highlights of any stay. Our favourites are Granada and the Alhambra, the Caminito del Rey, Ronda with Setenil de las Bodegas, a day on the water at Marina del Este and La Herradura, and the white village of Frigiliana. Here is what we tell our guests about each one.
A few rules make every outing easier. In summer, plan around the cooler parts of the day. For popular attractions, book ahead rather than turning up and hoping. And do not try to cram too much in: some of our favourite days are simply coffee, a long lunch somewhere new and a drink back on the terrace.
If you are hiring a car, it is worth choosing something above the very cheapest class, because of the mountain roads around Nerja. Our guide to getting from Málaga airport to Nerja covers car hire.
If you have never been to Granada, make a full day of it. Combine the Alhambra with a walk through the Albaicín, the old quarter on the hill, and finish with a long Spanish lunch. Our one essential tip: book your Alhambra tickets well in advance. They are the part of the day you cannot leave to chance.
This one is for walkers, nature lovers and anyone who enjoys a little adventure. It is a full day out, with steep cliffs and a spectacular gorge. Wear good shoes, take plenty of water and book ahead. It is not a day to improvise.
One of our favourite combinations for discovering inland Andalucía. Ronda sits dramatically above El Tajo, the deep gorge that splits the town, while Setenil de las Bodegas is famous for houses and cafés built right into the rock. Doing both in one day is very rewarding, but it means an early start. Leave early and take the scenic route, so the drive itself becomes part of the day.
About 30 minutes by car, Marina del Este is a beautiful marina set between mountains and sea. We recommend it for a half or full day on the water, and it is especially lovely for celebrations or special occasions. Nearby in La Herradura, Detako Gastrobar is a charming spot known for very fresh fish; we particularly like the ceviche and sushi. Book ahead and combine it with a walk along the beach.
The easiest of all. Frigiliana is a white village in the hills a short drive from Nerja, with narrow streets, flowers and lovely places to stop. Go without too much of a plan and, in summer, visit in the morning or later in the afternoon. We have a whole post on our Frigiliana day trip from Nerja.
Not every day needs a long drive. The Nerja caves near Maro are about 14 minutes by car from our house and make an easy half day, especially paired with a swim or a kayak trip at Playa de Maro. Kayaking around Maro and Cerro Gordo is one of our favourite ways to see the coast, and mornings are often best. Our post on kayaking in Nerja and Maro has the details.
For a beach-club day, Bahia Beach in Torre del Mar, about 30 minutes away, is ideal when you want to lounge, eat and read by the sea. Book ahead for lunch or dinner.
After a long day in Granada or Ronda, there is nothing better than coming back to the quiet of Ladera del Mar, just outside the centre of Nerja, and a drink on the terrace while the light fades over the sea. If you would like that to be your base, take a look at our holiday home in Nerja.
Yes. We always tell guests to book Alhambra tickets well in advance, as it is the one part of a Granada day you cannot leave to chance.
It is a great full day out for walkers and nature lovers, with steep cliffs and a spectacular gorge. Wear good shoes, take water and book ahead.
Frigiliana, the white village in the hills just above Nerja. It is a short drive away and needs very little planning; in summer, go in the morning or later in the afternoon.